The reason that we're just doing the beaches is that this is not our first trip to Costa Rica, in fact I've traveled quite extensively in Costa Rica in the past several years and just want to hit the beach on this trip. Previous trips have included Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Tortuguero, Corcovado, Arenal, Monteverde, Playa Flamingo, Rincon de la Vieja, Santa Rosa NP, Carara Reserve, Manuel Antonio, along with San Jose. We are flying into Liberia because we plan to stay on the Pacific side and are avoiding the San Jose traffic and long slow trip over the mountains to the Pacific Coast. I agree that we are probably moving around a little too much, but want to check out various parts of the Pacific with the intent of someday spending a good part of the winter there. Thanks for the driving advice!

Oh... Now it makes sense. I wish you would have explained your experience and intentions in the original post. We flew into SJO but didn't go into San Jose, so avoided all the traffic. The drive from SJO to Manuel Antonio is much shorter than from Liberia to Manuel Antonio. Are you sure you want to go to Manuel Antonio again? If not, just concentrate on Northern Pacific and Nicoya Peninsula beaches. Another one for you to consider - Playa Grande, just north of Tamarindo. If you are looking for a quiet secluded beach this would be it. We were there at the end of December and I can tell you more about it if you want. I have seen people staying in Malpais as alternative to Montezuma, so you might want to consider that.

One more thing - In case you haven't seen this yet, here is an interesting site that even has maps of each town with hotel locations.

www.nicoyapeninsula.com

Thanks, I haven't been to Playa Grande yet, but it sounds pretty nice. I have seen the Nicoya website, but didn't check it out in depth. In any case, we'll be there this time tomorrow, so can't wait!